We are JD Home Improvements, a family run roofing company on West Town Road in Shirehampton. Joe, our director, has more than 20 years in roofing, and he runs a team of over a dozen roofers alongside his son Tommy. This page sets out what we see on Stoke Gifford roofs and how we can help with yours.
A village that kept growing
The old heart of Stoke Gifford still survives around the church and along the lanes nearby, with stone cottages and older farmhouses among later homes. From the 1960s and 1970s, estates spread out across the fields, mostly brick semis and detached houses with concrete tiled roofs. More recently, large new developments have grown up around Harry Stoke and the edges of the town.
That gives Stoke Gifford a real spread of roofing. Old cottages may have clay tiles or slate on timbers that have shifted over the centuries. Homes from the 1970s often have shallow-pitched roofs in large concrete tiles. Newer houses have modern tiles over a breathable membrane, with dry ridge and verge systems already fitted.
Roofs from the 1960s and 1970s
Many Stoke Gifford homes were built in this period, and their roofs are now fifty or sixty years old. Concrete tiles from that era were made to last, yet by now many have weathered to a rough, porous surface that holds moss. Ridge tiles were bedded in mortar that has cracked with age, and the verges at gable ends often have loose mortar too.
Underneath, roofs of this age usually have bitumen felt rather than a modern breathable membrane. That felt can sag or tear near the eaves, letting water run behind the fascia board. Damp patches near the top of external walls are one sign, and water dripping behind the gutter in heavy rain is another.
Common roof problems in Stoke Gifford
- Loose ridge and verge mortar on 1960s and 1970s homes.
- Porous concrete tiles covered in moss and lichen.
- Torn felt at the eaves letting water behind the fascia.
- Leaking flat roofs on garages and extensions.
Loose ridges and verges are quick roof repairs in most cases. When a 1970s roof has reached the stage where tiles and felt are both failing, a new roof with a breathable membrane and fresh tiles will see the house through for decades. Leaking garage and extension roofs are a job for our flat roofing team, who strip the old felt back and lay a modern covering.
Eaves and the edge of the roof
The eaves are where a roof meets its gutter, and on older Stoke Gifford homes they are often where trouble starts. Felt that has perished at the eaves lets rainwater run behind the gutter instead of into it. Timber fascia boards then soak it up and rot, and the gutter brackets lose their grip.
A good fix replaces the rotten boards with uPVC fascias and soffits, with a strip of eaves protection under the bottom row of tiles. Once the guttering is refitted, water runs cleanly into the downpipes again. That combination keeps the edge of the roof dry for years.
Older cottages in the village
Stone cottages near the church need a gentle approach. Their roof timbers may have settled into a curve over time, and new work should follow the existing line rather than fight it. Lime mortar suits old stone chimneys better than modern cement, because it lets the stone breathe. We match tiles or slate so a repair blends in with the rest of the roof.
Newer homes and warranties
Homes on the newer estates may still be covered by a builder's warranty for some faults. If something goes wrong on a newer roof, check your warranty first. For anything it does not cover, such as storm damage to a few tiles or a blocked gutter, we are happy to help.
How we work
Ring us and tell us what you have noticed. We will arrange a visit and inspect the roof, then explain what we find in plain English. You receive a free written quote that sets out the work and the cost.
Once you decide to go ahead, we agree a start date and keep you informed. Payment is only due when the job is finished and you are completely satisfied.
Why Stoke Gifford homeowners choose us
- North Bristol coverage. Our Shirehampton base is a short run along the M5 and the ring road.
- Pay when happy. We do not ask for payment until the work is complete to your satisfaction.
- Accredited roofers. We are registered with the Confederation of Roofing Contractors, and our team holds CSCS cards.
- A 15 year warranty on our roofing work.
“Work was completed quickly, effectively and efficiently, with some additional issues uncovered being sorted. Workers were friendly and regularly kept me updated. A good job well done.”
Getting to Stoke Gifford from Shirehampton
We take the M5 to the M4 junction or cut across via Filton, coming into Stoke Gifford near Bristol Parkway. The station and the UWE Frenchay campus make handy landmarks.
We also work regularly in neighbouring Bradley Stoke and Filton.
Stoke Gifford roofing FAQs
Water is dripping behind my gutter. What is causing it?
Often the felt at the eaves has perished, so water runs behind the gutter instead of into it. We can fit eaves protection and replace any rotten fascia boards.
Is my 1970s roof worth repairing?
Often, yes. If the tiles and felt are failing across the roof, replacement may be better value. We will give you an honest view and price both where each is realistic.
Can you fit a dry ridge on my roof?
Yes. A dry ridge fixes the ridge tiles mechanically, so they no longer depend on mortar that can crack and fall away.
Do you work on old stone cottages?
We do. New work follows the existing roof line with matching materials, and we use lime mortar on old stone where it suits.
My new build roof has a problem. Can you help?
Check your builder's warranty first. If the fault is not covered, we are happy to look at it.
Can you replace my garage roof?
Yes. We strip the old covering and check the deck before laying a new flat roof.
When do I pay?
Only once the job is finished and you are fully satisfied with it.
Is the quote free?
Yes. Every quote in Stoke Gifford is free and carries no obligation.
How long does a re-roof take on a 1970s semi?
It depends on the size of the roof and on the weather while we are working. We give you a realistic timescale with your quote, so you can plan around the work before it starts.
Can you clear moss from my concrete tiles?
Yes. We remove it by hand and treat the tiles to slow regrowth, and we clean out the gutters during the same visit.
Talk to a local roofer
If your Stoke Gifford roof needs attention, we are happy to help. Call 07717 610410 or request a free quote.